At the West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology, “You Got This!”  is a commonly heard phrase encouraging adults on their journeys to new careers and economic security, encouraging teens as they build creative confidence and share their artistic voice, and encouraging young adults to plan their unique next steps to college or career.

On March 14, we hosted iBall 2024, an evening of celebration, community building, and connection inviting our greater WMCAT community to be a voice of encouragement to our students by saying “You Got This!” with their support of tuition-free pathways to opportunity.

We enjoyed live music from Bedrock The Foundation, engaged in fun activities, and celebrated three incredible honorees who embody imagination, innovation, and inspiration. Watch our honoree videos and see photos from the night below.

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WMCAT Award for Imagination
SHANNON COHEN

The WMCAT Award for Imagination was presented to Shannon Cohen in recognition of her work to create spaces of belonging, growth, and transformation for leaders across our community. Rooted in Grand Rapids, Shannon’s influence and impact are growing to a national scale. She is reimagining how community is built through her Rockstar Woman Movement, and inviting all of us to embrace a more balanced and authentic approach to leading well through her keynotes, products, podcast, and books.

Award sponsored by Consumers Energy. 

WMCAT Award for Innovation
COREWELL HEALTH

The WMCAT Award for Innovation was presented to Corewell Health in recognition of its dedicated pursuit of health equity through a holistic and collaborative approach. Corewell Health is working beyond the patient-provider relationship to improve social determinants of health and community wellness outcomes through programs like Healthier Communities; and by partnering with WMCAT’s Adult Career Training Program to support pathways to economic security for families through careers in the healthcare industry.

Award sponsored by Acrisure. 

WMCAT Award for Inspiration
CIERRA, MARIAH, AND MARCOS BARRERA
In honor of James C. Welch

The WMCAT Award for Inspiration was presented to Cierra, Mariah, and Marcos Barrera in honor of the late Jim Welch, WMCAT’s founding board chair. Alumni of WMCAT’s Teen Arts + Tech Program, the Barrera siblings each embody a creative spirit and desire to impact their communities. Cierra, Mariah, and Marcos are leveraging music, filmmaking, and photography to elevate their voices, share the stories of those around them, and invite new perspectives through their inspirational work.

At iBall, Cierra, Mariah, and Marcos announced their creative agency called BREAKBARRIERS. Through filmmaking, photography, and social media content creation, they amplify overlooked voices in fresh, innovative ways. Check them out!

Award sponsored by Steelcase.